Tim: Nice picture.

Christmas was OK, got a bit of reading done. The Rest Is Noise and Das Boot, so cheers for them. Inspired by TRIN I am retrying a bit of classical, and have a couple of the long-suspended Myaskovsky series on order (not that he really gets a mention in the book). Das Boot was pretty good too, although when they were under attack I couldn't help thinking well obviously they'll be OK, there's still 200 pages to go. But later on when they were sinking off Gibraltar I cracked and had to consider the possibility that the rest of the book was going to be some sort of postscript. Impressed.

I have a nice new vest to wear, and some cycling goves in the post, so need to start thinking about getting the bike out soon. Ish.

Friday, I can easily get up there lunchtimish, open to suggestions.
 

 nick: Glad you liked "Das Boot". The Gibraltar thing caught me out too. The sense of knowing how much of the book is left reminds me of one of my favourite quotes (not sure Tim will like this):

The anxiety, which in this state of their attachment must be the portion of Henry and Catherine, and of all who loved either, as to its final event, can hardly extend, I fear, to the bosom of my readers, who will see in the tell-tale compression of the pages before them, that we are all hastening together to perfect felicity.

(that's Jane Austen).

I was caught out by an audiobook finishing abruptly recently - I was listening to the MD and didn't realise I was near the end, so was surprised (and impressed) when it concluded without loads of epiloguey stuff.
 

 Tim: That's Friday all organised then.
 

 Steve: Crikey, serious activity, well done everyone! And a good picture to start the year. I have Friday off so can fit in any time.

I have finally cracked the problem of the Beethoven piano sonatas. The problem being that I got a box-set and didn't like the sound of it - even for the one that I already knew (Waldstein). So onto Spotify and Stephen Kovacevich and I bought a 3CD selection by him on the strength of it. Fantastic piano tone - which I think was the issue. Remains to be seen if I will need to get the whole set as 3CDs is quite a lot and 11 would be....

I've listened to mainly classical for several months now and there seems to be no end in sight.

Excellent film tip - Letters From Iwo Jima - we have the twin Flags Of Our Fathers ready to roll. Also really enjoyed Payback that you recommended Nick - I thought Mel Gibson was mis-cast but the amount of plot they got in was amazing.
 

 nick: Hmm ok maybe I need to take Friday off too. Weather is forecast bad again later this week, not sure if it'll affect Friday. On "snowy Monday" it took me 7 hours to get home.

I have massive presents for you both which I was going to bring on Friday, do you mind carting them round with you all day?

I saw one of the Iwo Jima films - it was the one from the US PoV, which I liked, but wasn't knocked out by, so I didn't watch the other one.

Glad you liked "Payback". I thought it was a surprisingly good adaptation. Are you going to watch the film of "The Road"?
 

 Tim: If you do take Friday off, what do you fancy doing?

The worst of the weather should be over by then.
 

 Steve: Don't mind - happy to do a proper art gallery this time :) Not bothered about CD shops as I shouldn't buy anything.
 

 Steve: Not sure about watching The Road as i have my mental view of it and am not sure how it would work film-wise. Tim, did you have anything in mind for Friday then?
 

 Tim: Well, Tate Britain still? I think the Turner Prize stuff has finished, but there's a big Turner And The Masters thing on, can't be that bad. I'm a member, can get a guest in, so we'd only need one ticket between the three of us. There's probably other stuff too.

But that's just a default option, I'm up for anything else.

OTOH I seem to be getting a bit of a cold, hopefully not, see what happens.
 

 Tim: While I think of it, Steve (or Nick, actually) do you have any other victims lined up for these books?

Also, weren't you after a copy of Dreamfish?
 

 nick: I have booked Friday off, so am up for an art exhibition or two.

Maybe we should aim to get to London about lunchtime? Weather looks like it still could be a bit cold on Friday
 

 Tim: My trains arrive 12:08 or 13:07, see you on one of those or at Waterloo or at Tate Brit shortly after?
 

 Steve: Yes Dreamfish pls. No plans for Das Boot. Still searching for that Electrolux disk Tim.

Also Nick can you re-copy that Genesis live 76 disk I made you pls as I cannot find mine! Now he has to remember where he put it...

Re: big presents - funny one.

I have a cold which is on the way out.

Cycling this year Nick?

Actually I'd be mad not to wander through HMV etc on my way wouldn't I? So if you want to do that shout but lunchtime meet is fine with me. Don't want to be too tired for the epic later!
 

 Tim: HMV, don't mind either way.
 

 nick: I'm pretty sure I have the Genesis CD available - I recently ripped it into itunes, and it identified the album as "Live at the Apollo Theater Glasgow Sco. 7/9/76" by Genesis. Got all the tracknames right too.

so at the least I can burn a copy from itunes

I'll check out train times and confirm rendezvous plans
 

 nick: > My trains arrive 12:08 or 13:07, see you on one
> of those or at Waterloo or at Tate Brit shortly after?

ok that means 11.17 or 12.17 at BSK, so how about I meet you on the 12.17? Might be enough time for the snow to thaw a bit and let me get into town.

nick
 

 Tim: Yep.
 

 nick: Steve - just checked and I do have the Genesis CD. I'll try to remember to bring it (along with your sack of presents) on Friday
 

 Steve: Just been listening to Livestock today - what an album! So you chickened out of the M3 then Nick?
 

 Steve: I'm assuming tomorrow is not looking very likely although I should be able to get in. Today took me over 2 hours to get in. Can the tickets be cancelled or transferred to say me?
 

 nick: Well I'm still intending to try and get in. I'm not sure how easy it'll be to get to/from Basingstoke Railway station from my house but SWT currently say they're trying to run a normal service.

Presumably Tim is fine, he just has to amble across the park from his house to Hedge End station

The tickets are on my visa card which has to be presented on collection. According to their website

Once booked, tickets cannot be returned or exchanged unless you are a member of the BFI.

In summary - I'm still planning on going, but I'll update this tomorrow morning to confirm
 

 nick: btw I've been working from home yesterday and today, haven't risked driving into London. How about you Tim, are you able to get in OK?

Needless to say the schools are shut. Seems like it only needs the temperature to deviate by 5 degrees from the average and they close.
 

 Steve: OK that's fine, just checking.
 

 Tim: I'm skiving off with a cold hurrah, not as bad today as yesterday so I'm expecting to be back to normal tomorrow, which is handy. Weather forecast is cold but sunny, so far as I can see? So yes, I've just got to walk across the park and I'm away. Nick, is it easier to get to MD? Or worse? And are we meeting Steve at HMV or Tate B?
 

 nick: > Nick, is it easier to get to MD? Or worse?

Hmm, there's a thought. Problem with BSK the drive to/from station - esp on the way home, when things are freezing again. Trouble is MD is a little bit too far to walk (4 miles) in the snow, in the dark. Could cycle I suppose but that would be pretty nasty in the snow and means leaving bike at MD station.

Let's see how things look as the day progresses.



> And are we meeting Steve at HMV or Tate B?

We can decide on the train, can't we?
 

 Tim: Well, Steve might want to know in advance, for timing purposes?

BTW did you know there's a tube map on googlemaps? Under 'More', switch on 'Transit'. Make sure you're looking at a map, not satellite, though.
 

 Tim: Also, forgot to say, whether I buy a travelcard or just a return to Waterloo.
 

 nick: > Well, Steve might want to know in advance, for timing purposes?

we can text him just as we get off the train


>Also, forgot to say, whether I buy a travelcard or just a return to Waterloo.

oh ok, yes that's reasonable. I don't mind, whatever's easiest for Steve.

>BTW did you know there's a tube map on googlemaps? Under 'More', switch on 'Transit'. Make sure you're looking at a map, not satellite, though.

that's cute! Hmm. mobile version doesn't have that option though, so doesn't work on my ipod
 

 Steve: Nick, why don't you drive to Tim's, sounds easier.

I'd say don't get a travel card - I'll wander round the music shops in the morning if I leave early enough and meet you there. Just say a time.
 

 nick: Drive to Tim's? I wouldn't do that. I could cycle there though...
 

 Tim: 13:30 at T Brit.
 

 nick: > 13:30 at T Brit.

We'll text you from the train Steve, is your current mobile number the one that ends in 802?
 

 Steve: OK got that, How Cool are these?
 

 nick: Tim, national rail website currently showing no disruption to the 12.17, so I'm aiming for that. I'll be leaving home around 11am; need to drop Ella off and do a couple of things en route to station.

Give me a text to confirm which train you're on. If we don't manage to get on the same train I'll expect to see you at TB at 1.30pm

nick
 

 Tim: OK.
 

 nick: brace yourselves for another couple of three hour stints in the IMAX

In December, Cameron said the movie could be the first part of a trilogy.
 

 nick: stuff about the dubai tower thing

BASE jump from the tallest building in the world


And sentiments that Steve would approve of I think
 

 Tim: Cameron has "a story worked out for the second film, and the third film". So that's 0.1% of the job done.

Charlie Brooker, right on.
 

 Tim: Steve, you'll know this one.

I've got a portable minidisc player that's not working, but I suspect its just the battery is flat and it's the PSU that's not working (I think the lead was intermittent, now failed).

Nick has a similar 3V PSU but his is 500mA instead of 1A.

Is it worth giving it a try with his? I thought it might be up to charging the battery, but maybe not capable of running the disc at the same time. Or something.
 

 Steve: Yes I'd say the PSU would at least get it charged. You can buy PSUs for not much but the cheaper ones have a slider that you increase until it's the right voltage for the current use (they are unregulated).

OK almost at the point of ordering the sub-woofer but I need to be convinced. So any encouragement welcome - I'm put off by it being in the Home Cinema section of the wesite :) One other problem is that it would have controls to adjust and the worry would be what to set them to... £300 in kit form.

I agree on the Dubai thing but it just won't be allowed to fail will it? Just like our useless banks.

BTW someone told me the data storage for Avatar was into the low peta bytes! And the Google spelling checker doesn't even understand it.
 

 Tim: Thanks, I just wanted to check it was worth a try and wasn't doomed to disaster (too many coulombs, or something). If I can determine it's the PSU I'll buy one.

Subwoofer, controls is the issue. Hopefully after a while we'll stop fiddling. If it's a kit, can't you leave the knobs off?
 

 Steve: Well since you've got one I suppose it'll be okay... The 'kit' is not many parts - the amp module (with knobs) is all one bit. Just have to make the box and add the speaker etc. D is not keen on more bass so that could be an issue.
 

 Steve: General consensus here seems to be amazing film to look at, bad bad storyline. You did forget it was CGI for the most part didn't you?

What weekends are you avail for a visit Nick, maybe we will come to you for a Saturday? That way you don't need to leave the house empty...
 

 Steve: I have 3 tickets for the Beethoven Sunday 7th. Currently this is looking like Nick/Deb/me. Tim if you are really keen you can have D's ticket but she would like to go so I hope this is okay?

Still not ordered the sub, it is receding I think.
 

 Steve: BTW this article is very interesting and not too geeky.

Anyone use NiMH AA's? - I wanted 2 for my Walkman for longer life and the cheapest deal in Maplins was 8 for £10! These are 3.5 times the life of my originals which is pretty amazing.
 

 Tim: Beethoven, no worries, I think I was only on standby anyway?
 

 Tim: Nick (mainly), I've just spotted there's a new Hampshire branch of Skeptics In The Pub, first meeting next week with Simon Singh speaking. Might go, dunno if you're interested. http://www.hampshireskeptics.org/?p=554
 

 nick: sorry for lack of updates from me.

Steve, Beethoven on Sunday 7th in my diary, thanks.

Weekend visits - I think we're fairly clear most weekends so long as there's nothing in my calendar for the day, it's worth a go. What about you tim, when are you around? It would be great to meet up.

Sceptics in the pub - sounds good, so I'd fancy that. I made a donation to the Sense Against Science appeal and they sent me some signed copies of Simon's books, so I could take them and get them signed again! Also I could bring some minidisc hardware.

Quite busy at work - code freeze next Friday. I have 34 unread mails in my work inbox as we speak, several of which contain code patches to be reviewed. That's before I get round to writing my own code! Working from home today - it's snowing here.

Going to see "The Road" in London tomorrow with my brother. I'm prepared for it to be grim.

The audiobook copy of "Bomber" has arrived so I'm listening to it - I think I've got to about the same bit as I was when I had to give the book back to the library. It is pretty good. I'm surprised at how much happens (little disjointed mini-stories) and how many of them I remembered. Thanks for the recommendation Steve.

Tim, let me know what arrangements you'd like to make for next Thursday. I'll mention it to Tony too - it's his sort of thing, although I think he has piano lessons on Thursday so probably won't be able to make it.
 

 Tim: I don't think there's much in my calendar at the moment, except probable football matches 20 Feb and 6 Mar.

If I go to SitP, it'll be easy to train it.
 

 Steve: Will consult D and we will be down - visiting Paul this Sat.

Will have to buy the new Trancefer as I keep Spotifying the extra tracks.

Latest Tortoise album is very impressive - got it for Christmas (but only yesterday) - very reminiscent of the gig and significantly different from the others I have of them. And only 43 mins.
 

 nick: Documentary about Brian Eno on tonight
 

 nick: Saw "The Road" last night. Probably worth seeing but I don't think it was as good an adaption of the book as I'd hoped.

It was spoiled (I thought) by the incidental music (not tons of it but I think there should have been none at all) and the voiceover at the beginning where the man talks about what has happened and stuff. In the book there was less info available to the reader so you spend time thinking "what the heck is going on?" - that effect was lost a bit in the film.
 

 Steve: What about Sat 13th of Feb - I can see that you may be on yr own Nick but the other weekends are busy for D.

Or if it's just me the 20th/27th Feb and 6th March.
 

 Tim: The latest FA Cup news means I might have a match to go to on 13th (or 14th), but it's just something to work around. Keep you posted
 

 Tim: Nick, looks like I'm all-clear for Thursday, are you still G for go?
 

 nick: Steve - not sure about dates - I might be away in Exeter the weekend of 13th with Lesley. Will try and confirm.

Tim - yes expect to be there on Thu, so far as I can tell. Looks like Tony and Geoff also going. Geoff said they'd advertised the event at work (IBM Hursley) so I wouldn't be surprised if it's quite full.
 

 Tim: Nick, it's not news, but I have just found out so just in case: the SitP thing is at the Roebuck, not the Royal Oak.
 

 Tim: Scrub that, I've just checked my email where you're telling me the same thing, cheers.
 

 Tim: Re 13th, anything happening? I can be available late afternoon/evening. Or, are any other weekends looking likely?

Also, I've got a spare day's leave to take in Feb/March if that fits in with anyone.
 

 nick: OK, sorry for lateness of response. I'll be around for 13th so you're welcome to come to Basingstoke if that fits in. I am at church doing steward duty on Sunday morning but apart from that am available all weekend.

Lesley will be in Exeter and Ella will be in Maine (skiing) so it's just me.

nick
 

 Steve: I'll come down Friday night if that's okay by train/bike to Basingstoke. Will have to get a train after 7 so be there for 8:30? Return Sunday AM when you set off for church.
 

 Tim: If it fits in better I could turn up Friday and be away late morning Sat.
 

 Steve: OK my current thinking is try to get the train to Hampton to come home with Nick. This means finishing well on time. I would prob take my bike but need to check the peak/off-peak deal etc. in this case Friday/Sat may be better for you Tim.
 

 Tim: OK, I'll plan on doing that then, subject to what Nick reckons. I can bring the car, so I won't have a bike. (Or, vice versa.)
 

 Steve: Doesn't matter about bike, we can go for a 50-miler after you've gone! Having a bike would help me get home - I won't then rely on lifts from Nick.
 

 Steve: Slight update, I still plan to come to Hampton around 5PM Friday but won't bring my bike as it's a bit of a faff and means I get another hour in bed. Also looks like it will be freezing for bike rides anyway. We could go for a walk Saturday morning and still chat, what about down by that river we cycled around that time?
 

 Tim: What time should I turn up Friday then? (Assuming that this plan is a goer.)
 

 nick: Steve

trains from Waterloo get in at Hampton at 23 and 53 past the hour, so I guess you'll be there at 16.53 or 17.23? give us a shout either way - easy for me any time.

Assuming we leave Hampton by 17.30, should be home by 18.30 so I'd say you'd be safe to arrive from 7pm onwards tim?

I think today's the day for Simon Singh's next court thing?
 

 Steve: Excellent, we have a plan. Also is this another joint project?

War Books

I have read Covenant with Death and cannot praise it highly enough. My Dad had a copy so I lucked out there.

We should do the submarine thing this year as well. I'll look into booking a day off to help use up your quota Tim. We'll sort out dates at the weekend.
 

 Steve: Aim for the 17:23 as the journey is quite long at 40 mins but cheap.
 

 Tim: OK, see you 7ish.
 

 Steve: Ticket question, can I use Oyster tomorrow as the woman in the station at lunchtime was too vague? She said it's in zone 6 and they have recently added Oyster coverage I believe.
 

 nick: Consensus here is that yes, you can use Oyster for Hampton station - I think it's just been enabled here (since 2-Jan, they're telling me)
 

 nick: Covenant with Death - only one library copy in Hampshire, apparently, but I've got it on order
 

 Steve: After our discussion of bad recommendations as well! So if the Guardian says it's okay then I'm in the clear.
 

 nick: Up and coming at the Anvil in Basingstoke

Moscow State Symphony playing a programme that includes Glass and Shostakovich

Orchestra Europa with Brahms, Mendelssohn and Tchaikovsky

Basingstoke Symphony with Schumann, Scotchmer, Strauss and Sibelius

Philharmonia with Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev
 

 Tim: Good work. Some of those look pretty good, the only one I think I can make though is the Moscow one.

Also, it's looking like I won't get to SitP again tonight, maybe next month then.
 

 Tim: Nick>Looks like Steve and I will be taking a day off on 19th March and doing something around then - are you available any time at all that weekend Tim? There were a couple of events on in Basingstoke
on 19th in the evening that Steve was pretty keen on and I might try and book one

Probably I am, yes, I just can't get the day off. What are the fab events?
 

 nick: Play at the Haymarket

Concert at the Anvil

It's all happening in Basingstoke
 

 Tim: OK, count me in for either, if that fits in with any sort of a plan.
 

 Steve: I've booked it and don't see why it would be rejected - there is no-one to cover so they have to muddle through. Recruitment not going well, people don't seem technical enough and grads won't want to do support.

Either is fine, I'll have to (possibly) overcome my feelings of awkwardness at plays.
 

 nick: I thought things sounded quite promising after you'd done interviews for your support helper? Did you not make offers or did they not accept?

I spoke with Geoff last night and he said many of the classical concerts at the Anvil have sold out, so I'll try for that first but failing that go for the play
 

 nick: Geoff also mentioned that IBM Hursley (the "labs" where they do software engineering) are taking on 75 graduates this year with similar number next year. Maybe Paul would be interested? I'll keep an eye on this. Hursley seems like a pretty dream place to work for a software person (apart from being a lovely building/grounds etc.) and I think IBM has a pretty good graduate programme
 

 Steve: The good guy got another offer apparently, he went to Italy for a few days right after our interview so it could've been out there. The others do not convince me that they are technical enough and don't seem particularly into IT. 2 more to try.

Yes Paul would love to work for IBM I'd've thought thanks. They are of course behind on the Deutsche bank project but maybe they'll pull something out of the bag.
 

 Steve: I have afternoon 18th & Fri 19th booked.
 

 Steve: Tim, I'm not sure that you have confirmed your availability for the Barbican 25th April gig?

Copland - Appalachian Spring suite
André Previn - Miss Sallie Chisum remembers Billy the Kid
Strauss - An Alpine Symphony
 

 Tim: Yep, I'm up for that, cheers. Are we going to fit something in in the afternoon too? OK, it's a long way off.
 

 nick: wrt Barbican - I assume I'll be going this Thursday as I've not heard anything from Tim saying he wants the ticket
 

 Tim: Take it away.
 

 Tim: While I'm here, new post.